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This past weekend my wife and I went to one of my favorite Japanese festivals. It is a festival displaying creative looking lights made with the town`s famous washi paper. The town of Minoshi is located in Gifu prefecture about an hour south of our town and is famous for its washi paper and Edo period streets and buildings.
Washi paper is made from the pulp of various trees and bushes and is tougher and thicker than normal paper. This town with over 1300 years of experience is known for its excellent quality of washi paper and more recently for its “Akari Art” festival. “Akari Art” translates into the art of light.
This little festival started in 1994 displaying the lights and craftsmanship of the local citizens of the city and
has exponentially grown in popularity over the last decade.
has exponentially grown in popularity over the last decade.
I remember attending this festival five years ago and there were a few hundred people partaking in the
festival but thisyear the attendance was thousands. That being said it was still beautiful and very enjoyable.
This festival is actually a competition with over 400 participants from all over Japan but the majority
resides in this small town. The lights are judged on their creativity, organization (how they are put together),
and the overall feeling of warmth you get from the piece.
festival but thisyear the attendance was thousands. That being said it was still beautiful and very enjoyable.
This festival is actually a competition with over 400 participants from all over Japan but the majority
resides in this small town. The lights are judged on their creativity, organization (how they are put together),
and the overall feeling of warmth you get from the piece.
Winners get various prizes and their light displayed in the local museum for all to see. I believe the festival goes until 9pm with most of the crowd and families coming early.
This festival is great because of the serene and romantic ambience.
This festival is great because of the serene and romantic ambience.
So that being said if at all possible I recommend going later so you don’t have to bump your way down the street and
can enjoy the lights and atmosphere in a calm and relaxed manner.
can enjoy the lights and atmosphere in a calm and relaxed manner.
For more information about the festival here is the a website!
